Thomas C. Mercadante

Thomas Craig Mercadante “Tom” was born on July 5, 1951 in Orange New Jersey. He passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 22, 2015 due to a fatal stroke. Tom married Linda Mercadante on March 29, 1980. He is survived by his loving family: wife Linda Mercadante, son Garrett Mercadante, parents Tom and Rose Mercadante, brothers Joe (Denise) Mercadante, Steve (Nancy) Mercadante, sister Geralyn Mercadante, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in 1973 in Industrial Engineering at Newark College of Engineering, where he was class president and graduated top of his class. He went on to get a masters degree in Biomedical Engineering in 1980 at University of Texas at Arlington. Tom was a self-employed entrepreneur, co-owner of Beauty in the Bead Shop & Shows. Tom was proud of his role as former President of the Ferndale Food Bank. He was a member of The Church in Bellingham. Tom was the eldest son of four siblings. He had fond memories growing up in his Italian family, meals shared together, and summers on the ocean in Belmar. Tom had a deep and profound love for his family and friends. He became a Christian and received the Lord in his spirit in 1976. He began meeting in the Local church in Dallas in 1978 and had a great love for the Churches and the brothers and sisters. Tom had a passion for the Bible, singing hymns and songs, particularly from the Word. He also enjoyed playing the autoharp. Tom had a heartfelt interest in helping young people know and go on with the Lord. Many years ago Tom sold loose colored gemstones. He was fascinated by the correlation with gemstones in the Bible and our Christian experience. Tom was a highly intelligent, outgoing, loving and unique individual. His wife was always amazed that he could talk with anyone at any time about almost anything. After co-owning a Mortgage Company for 17 years, Tom really enjoyed transitioning into the bead business where he could apply his extensive gemstone knowledge. Tom had fun working with the bead shop and shows. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Tom’s name to The American Heart Association, or to the charity of your choice. A Memorial Service will be held for Tom on Saturday February 28, 3:00pm at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview, 2465 Lakeway Dr. in Bellingham

Thomas C. Mercadante

July 5, 1951 - February 22, 2015